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Board of Commissioners MinutesCALHOUN COUNTY PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS February 16, 2006 The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 16, 2006 in the Commissioners' Meeting Room, County Building, Marshall, Michigan. Roll Call: Present: Comrs. Bolger, Miller, Moore, Segal, Solis and Todd. Excused: Comr. Strowbridge. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: A Moment of Personal Prayer was observed; followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Chairman Miller. APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ADDENDUM:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
CITIZENS’ TIME: Mr. Gardy Berezonsky, Marengo Township resident, addressed committee appointments of county employees, stating that he believes service on those committees should be stated within the employees’ job descriptions as part of their job responsibilities. Mr. Berezonsky advised that he still has not received an answer regarding the Sheriff’s Office not being located at the county seat in accordance with the Michigan Constitution. Mr. Berezonsky questioned whether anyone read the county’s agreement with the City of Battle Creek for the Justice Center which states that the Sheriff’s administrative office shall be located within the Justice Center, in violation of the Michigan Constitution. Mr. Berezonsky advised that the county has already paid $10 Million for rent of the Justice Center. Mr. Berezonsky stated that he believes the Justice Center should have already been paid off, pointing out that the county received $3 Million from the sale of the Hall of Justice that should have gone towards paying off the Justice Center. Mr. Berezonsky inquired when the Justice Center shall be paid off. Mr. Berezonsky noted within the Sheriff Department’s 2006 revenue budget that $2,600 has been projected from Freedom of Information Act (F.O.I.A.) requests. Mr. Berezonsky questioned F.O.I.A. requests being considered revenue, pointing out that the county cannot charge any more than what it costs to provide the information; further, questioned whether there should also be a corresponding amount of expenditure budgeted for the employee’s time, copying expense, etc. Mr. Berezonsky inquired whether the reason the senior millage ballot proposal shall be considered at the primary election is because the majority of voters do not vote at the primary. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: Red Dress-Red Tie Day Proclamation Comr. Segal presented the following proclamation to Health Department Nursing Administrator Ginger Hentz.
Ms. Hentz thanked the Commission for acknowledging the event. CONSENT AGENDA:
SPECIAL COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP/BOARD REPORTS: Proposed Senior Millage Home Heating Assistance Program Comr. Bolger reported that the home heating assistance request for proposals (R.F.P.) is currently being prepared. Comr. Bolger stated that the program needs to provide funding for all heating types and urban and rural homes. Comr. Bolger stated that hopefully the R.F.P. process shall be completed and a recommendation provided at the March 16 Board Meeting. PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS: County Administrator/Controller’s Report Employees’ Voluntary Life, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, and Voluntary Long Term Disability Insurance Plan Documents and Summary Plan Descriptions
FY 2006 Planning Services Agreement Assistant County Administrator Wendee Woods advised that the FY 2006 Planning budget was reduced to $30,000, therefore Administration recommends an agreement with J. Bomba Land Planning, L.L.C. in the amount of $30,000; and the authority to extend the agreement if funding is available. Administrative Services Director Bradley Wilcox advised that in December 2005 the Purchasing Division went through a request for qualifications process and received two proposals. A selection committee evaluated the proposals and as a result of the interviews with the applicants, and approval by members of the Planning Commission and the Agricultural Preservation Board, Ms. Bomba was selected. Comr. Moore stated that both applicants are very qualified and the committee had a difficult time making a decision which came down to intangibles as it was felt that either applicant could do the job, however, that Ms. Bomba would be able to “hit the ground running.”
Ms. Jennifer Bomba thanked the Commission and stated that she looks forward to serving the county and townships. Employee Security Awareness Training Appropriation Request Mr. Wilcox advised that the Calhoun County Security Committee has identified employee security awareness as an important factor in enhancing employee safety and building security and in support of the training, the Security Committee is collaborating with the Employee Recognition and Relations Committee to provide a two-day training seminar to all county employees, and requests an appropriation of $1,500 to pay for the facilitator.
Senior Millage Pharmacare Renewal Agreement Ms. Woods advised that Board approval is requested to execute an amended renewal client agreement with Pharmacare and designation of McGraw Wentworth as the county’s Agent of Record with Pharmacare rather than Benefit Control Methods, Inc. Senior Services Manager Christine Schauer advised that since the inception of the Senior Millage Prescription Program Pharmacare has been processing and paying the claims submitted by participating pharmacies. In addition the Department contracted with Benefit Control Methods, Inc. (B.C.M.) as consultant for the Program. Ms. Schauer advised that the agreement with B.C.M. expired at the end of 2005. Ms. Schauer continued that the services provided by B.C.M. are available from Pharmacare. Ms. Schauer further advised that the enrollment per participant being charged by Pharmacare to B.C.M. on the county’s behalf was $6 per participant rather than the $12 per participant the county was paying to B.C.M. Pharmacare will bill the county directly for the enrollments plus provide free participant cards. Ms. Schauer further advised that McGraw Wentworth has consented to include the analysis of the Program on the same type of contingency as it does for other county benefit plans and shall be paid based upon the percentage of savings identified. Ms. Schauer advised that all other aspects of the agreement remain the same.
Comr. Bolger inquired whether the seniors shall notice any changes. Ms. Schauer responded no, that only the brochures will change. Ms. Schauer advised that the change will not affect what the seniors pay for their prescriptions, and it will save the county the double cost for enrollments. Ms. Schauer advised that the Department shall be conducting a survey in April to determine who is using the prescription cards. Chairman Miller inquired how much in enrollments will be saved. Ms. Schauer responded $18,000.
Senior Millage Ballot Language Ms. Woods stated that the request is to approve the ballot language for placement on the August 8 ballot. Ms. Schauer addressed the history of the millage and stated that the voters shall need to decide whether the millage should continue. Ms. Schauer advised that between 3,500 to 5,000 seniors are served every year, and that this year nine agencies were awarded funds to provide the services.
Comr. Moore stated that the senior millage program is one of the more watched over and managed programs in the county. Comr. Moore advised that the Senior Millage Allocation Committee is very dedicated and fiscally responsible with the millage funding. Comr. Moore pointed out that when the original millage was approved the rate was 0.75 mil, and that the renewal is only for 0.7452 mil. Comr. Bolger advised that the Committee is very diverse and represents all areas of the county. Comr. Bolger stated that he believes the millage is something Calhoun County should be very proud of. CITIZENS’ TIME: Mr. Berezonsky again inquired why the senior millage re-authorization proposal is being placed upon the primary election ballot. Mr. Berezonsky advised that at the last Road Commission meeting he saw part of the contract that the Road Commission shall be presenting to Mr. Randolph, and that a number of people are complaining about the vehicle allowance being offered. Mr. Berezonsky stated that he has been advised that some other employees have similar employment agreements, and he believes that it is wrong for employees to receive a vehicle allowance and not be held accountable for their mileage. Mr. Berezonsky inquired whether the Planning Commission has changed its meeting location, as he has been advised that the Planning Commission shall be conducting their meetings in the County Building; however, no notice has been posted in the case downstairs. Mr. Jerry Keller, Battle Creek resident, advised that none of the senior millage services have been made available to him. Mr. Keller stated that the senior millage program should be called what it is, seniors’ welfare, as seniors have to be low income to be eligible. Congressional candidate Daryl Campbell advised that he is a husband and father of two girls, was born and raised in Ann Arbor, was active in Boy Scouts and had been a member of a wrestling team. Mr. Campbell stated that he went into the Army, was honorably discharged, then hired by the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department. Mr. Campbell advised that he also sells real estate. Mr. Campbell stated that he decided to run for office as he determined it is time for some changes. Mr. Campbell advised that his platform is security, education, infrastructure and integrity; and stated that he would love to meet with Commission members to learn what is important to Calhoun County. COMMISSIONERS’ TIME: Comr. Bolger thanked Administration, the Sheriff Department and the Calhoun County Humane Society for resolving the animal cruelty issue in his district. CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Interim Corporation Counsel Nancy Mullett announced that February 24 is the Sheriff Department’s Outdoor Education Day. Comr. Moore advised that the Sheriff and he will be present. Comr. Solis announced that the “Men Who Cook” Breakfast shall be this Sunday at Noon at the United Methodist Tenant Hall in Albion. Comr. Todd announced that this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. is the Heritage Quiz Bowl at Battle Creek Central High School. RECESS: The Board recessed at 7:53 p.m. at the call of the Chair.
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